Dr Rajbir Singh commends transformative initiatives in integrated farming systems
GANDERBAL: Assistant Director General (AAF&CC) ICAR, Dr. Rajbir Singh on Sunday visited KVK Ganderbal to review the progress made in strengthening the Integrated Farming System (IFS) model and establishing modern demonstration units and specialty crops suitable for various agro-ecological zones in district Ganderbal.
During his maiden visit, he toured various greenhouses, protected structures, and High-Density Planting (HDP) units, including those for apple, cherry, walnut, apiary, fisheries, lavender, saffron, and kalazeera blocks.
Dr. Singh discussed several innovative approaches undertaken by KVK to enhance different components of the IFS model. He praised the steps taken to transform KVK Ganderbal into a model KVK over the past two years under the leadership of Senior Scientist & Head KVK Ganderbal, Dr. Ishfaq Abidi. These initiatives are expected to significantly benefit various stakeholders, including farmers, rural youth, women, and entrepreneurs, enabling them to engage in diverse agricultural and allied activities.
The cropping pattern and selection of crops by the scientific team, aimed at boosting farmers’ income, were particularly commended. Dr. Singh assured that the goals of ICAR, under the vision of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. N.A. Ganai, the guidance of Director Extension Prof. D.M. Makdoomi, and the able leadership of Dr. Ishfaq Abidi and his team, to make this KVK a Center of Excellence in the country, would be further supported in various ways.
Dr. Singh expressed satisfaction with KVK Ganderbal’s progress in developing quality silage, which significantly addresses the nutritional needs of livestock and mitigates the feed and fodder deficiency in the sector. Dr. Abidi highlighted new initiatives for product-based cropping patterns in medicinal and aromatic plants, specialty, and horticultural crops, which are expected to help develop business models and startups in KVKs across the valley and the rest of the country.
During an interactive session with the scientific staff, including Dr. Farooq Ahmad Ahanger and Dr. Shaheen Farooq, various suggestions were made for further scaling up and improving farmers’ participation, outreach programs, and infrastructure development, thereby strengthening KVK Ganderbal further.
KVK Ganderbal’s transformation into a role model of agri-extension is a testament to the innovative approach and dedicated efforts of Dr. Ishfaq Abidi and his team. Their work exemplifies the potential of integrated farming systems and modern agricultural practices in enhancing productivity and sustainability in the sector.